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lynnette · 02-06-2012, 09:58 AM

Ok well we finally did it ! It took us a year of looking but we purchased our Bounder on Saturday. Now we have to do orientation etc... my question is this...are there any questions you wish you would have asked or paid better attention to in orientation ?? Please keep in mind that we are new to MH we just traded our 34 ft. 5th wheel.

SarahW · 02-06-2012, 10:26 AM

Hello Lynette and congrats on your beautiful new Bounder! We bought ours a couple of months ago and we were TOTAL newbies (never owned ANY RV before...yikes). We were in panic mode for a few weeks, but the motorhome has been a joy with ZERO "serious" issues. (We did have a short punch list of annoying items after our maiden voyage but the dealer fixed 'em right up for us.)

Does your moho have the electronic fireplace? If so, pay attention to the amount of heat buildup in the wall behind it. (Feel of the bathroom wall after the unit has been operating for an hour or so.) That was my only "concern" but we found that the fireplace was installed correctly by Fleetwood. At some point my hubby might install a vent in that wall to let the heat escape.

You might ask about the television/entertainment system controls. They cause a LOT of aggravation, with the main control stuff located in the front cabinet (over driver's seat).

Make sure you get ALL of the manuals for every system in your coach. At some point you will need them, and they are invaluable when learning how to operate/maintain stuff. If you're coming from a 5er, will the generator be new to y'all? If so, ask the technician for a crash course in Genny!

There are lots of Bounder owners here, so if you have specific questions...fire away! I hope you love your new Bounder as much as we love ours.

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-06-2012, 11:00 AM

Hello again. Glad to see you found the FW Forum. When I bought my first MH , I was as green as can be. You at least have been RV'n. I had a three hour walk through by a very qualified guy who took pity on me and clearly explained everything. He wouldn't let me video him ( against co. policy ) , so I forgot a lot of what he taught me. I stayed on their lot for three days and asked plenty of questions and left with the knowledge I needed to begin what has been a wonderful journey. I didn't get to IRV2 for eight years. I wish ,I knew of this forum sooner, but we survived and so will you, especially since you're here with a bunch of good people willing to assist in any way they can.

Hope you get a qualified person for your walk through and I would suggest you stay there and camp for a few days if possible and of course ask away. The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask.

Good luck and post often.

RaynMary · 02-06-2012, 11:42 AM

Wished we would have asked where the converter is, how does the inverter work & what outlets it powers. I also would have asked about the battery cutoff, does the battery charge when it's cutoff? (we know some of the answers by now)
They may not know the answers. We took a factory tour & the guide didn't know where the converter was.

lynnette · 02-06-2012, 12:29 PM

thanks !, I think the inverter is confusing also so they will have to explain that many times ! We are also new to the gen. so that will raise some questions. I am sure I will be here asking many questions !

zip0 · 02-06-2012, 12:42 PM

SarahW · 02-06-2012, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynnette

thanks !, I think the inverter is confusing also so they will have to explain that many times ! We are also new to the gen. so that will raise some questions. I am sure I will be here asking many questions !

You will see the inverter in the outside bay next to your entry door. Just make sure it is turned ON or the house batteries won't charge. Ask me how I know.

I think the converter is behind the fuse panel in the bedroom...but I'm not sure about that.

Have fun!!!

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-06-2012, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahW

You will see the inverter in the outside bay next to your entry door. Just make sure it is turned ON or the house batteries won't charge. Ask me how I know.

I think the converter is behind the fuse panel in the bedroom...but I'm not sure about that.

Have fun!!!

I don't have one. Boo Hoo. However I was under the impression that your inverter is a combination converter. I of course could be wrrrrrrong.

SarahW · 02-06-2012, 04:25 PM

According to the brochure for the Bounder, there is a 1200 watt inverter/charger and a converter. I only know where the inverter is, though. (Because you can see it when you open that bay door.

)

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-06-2012, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahW

According to the brochure for the Bounder, there is a 1200 watt inverter/charger and a converter. I only know where the inverter is, though. (Because you can see it when you open that bay door.

)

Your assignment if you choose to accept it is to call FW and report back. My Mission Impossible days.

**NLOVNIT** · 02-06-2012, 04:59 PM

Welcome to the Bounder family, lynnette. You've made a fine choice in a coach (although I could be biased

).

In addition to what others said above, be sure they show you:

Where the hot water heater bypass valve is
Where the cable TV hook up is
How to manually level your coach (auto level doesn't always work)
How to manually retract your slides (in case of failure)
Explain how the EMS works when you're on 30 or 20 amp
Where the CB cable is (it's worthless, but at least you'll know where it is. On edit, it's not worthless - the antenna is)
What keys are for what locks. Took me FOREVER to figure out what keys unlocked the front engine compartment cover!

Oh, & one tip: If you have a black tank flush (which you probably do), don't start it & get distracted when the blank tank valve is closed. Don't ask how I know.

Lori-

SarahW · 02-06-2012, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Your assignment if you choose to accept it is to call FW and report back. My Mission Impossible days.

I was hoping that "the other Cliff" would find out and tell me. The Fleetwood CS guys are tired of me calling them. HAHAHA.

**CLIFFTALL** · 02-06-2012, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahW

I was hoping that "the other Cliff" would find out and tell me. The Fleetwood CS guys are tired of me calling them. HAHAHA.

Looks like you're running out of Cliff's.

ljr869 · 02-06-2012, 06:00 PM

I wish I would have had all the schematics (30+ pages) with me during the orientation. I got them from Fleetwood 3 months or so after I bought it when I found out you could request them via e-mail. You should do that ASAP.

The entertainment connections are a bit confusing, should have asked more about that.